19 April, 2001

Amongst the interested around 10 have been allowed to put forward their bid, says local daily l'Union. Amongst them the American-French investment fund Butler Capital Partners, that for a while was interested in the house of Lanson, the funds Apax and Bridepoint, the champagnehouse Louis Roederer, the American groups Gallo (wine) and Fortune Brands (amongst others wine and alcohol). Also French Pernod Ricard is said to be interested.

In early April the Compagnie nationale à Portefeuille (CNPP) with Belgian Albert Frère upfront very surprisingly left the race. Since the outcome is rather open, says l'Union.

Amongst the assets of Taittinger are 288,84 hectares of vineyards in the traditionally best areas of Champagnes, 20 million bottles of champagne in the caves and wine activities in the Bordelais, Loire and California. Taittinger sells 4,5 million bottles of champagne each year, 62,5 percent for export and enough to make it as number nine in the top 10 of the biggest houses.

The current owner of Taittinger, the American investment fund Starwood Capital, expects between 400 and 500 million euros in exchange.

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